Cloudy with a Chance of Meat Balls 2

A formulaic and simplistic plot that telegraphs every twist, every turn, so many times that even younger audience members have a better than average chance of predicting what will happen next. Perhaps this will make children feel special, smart, because they knew all along what it takes Flint most of the film to learn.

The animation is gorgeous, fully realized.

Quite a few funny moments that had at least a few adults in the theater laughing. Most of these funny moments are fueled by clever puns.

But Cloudy with a Chance of Meat Balls 2 never goes beyond that. The greatest animated movies (The Lion King, Toy Story, etc) appeal to viewers of different ages on different levels. Kids can love it for one reason even as adults love it for another. Last year’s Brave almost managed this difficult balancing act, but this one does not. It is for kids, through and through. There is no deeper emotion, no clever twist, no reason a grown up would love this one, even if we can appreciate its humor.

Which doesn’t make the movie bad. Not in the least. We grown ups won’t love it, but that doesn’t mean we won’t like it. I, for one, was always entertained and, like everyone else, thought Berry was adorable.